Is Baptism Essential to Salvation? (Part 1)

When sitting across the modern round table of discussion with those who may disagree about the essentiality of immersion for salvation, it has been my experience that, typically, a fruitful dialogue will be elusive if baptism is studied. Instead, clarity on baptism arises after a biblical understanding of salvation by faith is achieved.
Do you agree?
Next article: “Have Faith In Me”